Diagnostic Imaging

MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images, whereas radiologic technologists perform diagnostic medical imaging using x-rays. Nuclear medicine technologists prepare radioactive drugs and administer them to patients. The radioactive dye cause abnormal areas of the body to appear stand out from unaffected areas in the images. An associate's degree is the minimum requirement for radiologic and MRI technologists. In addition, you may pursue a graduate certificate or bachelors degree. Training programs include both classroom study and clinical work. Courses include anatomy, pathology, patient care, radiation physics and protection, and image evaluation.

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredits programs in radiography. To become licensed, technologists must graduate from an accredited program, and pass a certifying exam. Certifications for radiologic technologists are available from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Certifications for MRI technologists are available from the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT). The average salary for radiation therapists was $70,220 in May 2015, as reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Further, job openings for radiation therapists are projected to grow 14% over the next decade, much faster than the average for all occupations.

A Cat Scan utilizes a state-of-the-art GE Brightspeed 16 slice scanner. The CT scanner uses a narrow X-Ray
beam to image thin slices of the anatomy and is sent to a computer for reconstruction of the body part being imaged.
The computer is able to render different perspectives, such that the image may be viewed in various planes.

Selenia digital mammography incorporates revolutionary imaging technology that provides incredibly sharp breast images. The images appear on the technologist’s monitor in a matter of seconds. Because there is no waiting for film to be developed it significantly reduces the need for repeat exams. Digital images are easily stored and transferred, eliminating
the dependency on one set of originals, which can be misfiled or otherwise lost in transit. Breast cancer is the second leading
cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Statistics indicate that one in eight women will
develop breast cancer sometime in her life. If detected early enough, the five-year survival rate is 97%.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides detailed pictures of the body without ionizing radiation. During this procedure, the patient is placed within a large magnet and radio waves are passed through the body, providing information about that part of the body to the computer, which, in turn displays the image. Computer-generated images clearly show diseased tissue in the brain, spine, and joints. The GE Signa HDe 1.5 8-channel MRI system’s imaging technology delivers reliable high-definition images. The system has advantages over lower strength magnets in that it has the potential of quickly producing a series of well-defined images.

X-Ray Scanning

An X-Ray Scan utilizes a collimated X-ray beam to produce an image on film. Several different views are obtained of
the body part being imaged. The films are passed on for review by a radiologist and your primary care physician. This is the oldest method of imaging, but is still the standard in general medical practice. The bone density unit utilizes a thin beam of x-ray that passes through the body and is picked up by a detector. This information is then compared to a database of bone density based on age and sex. It then graphs this information, to determine a patient's risk for osteoporosis.

This website is not affiliated with any educational institution, and all trademarks are exclusive property of the respective owners. College Inspector is the work of a group of Thai students in Bangkok, using info from the US Department of Education, Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). If any stats are incorrect, please contact us with the right data.